Most men know the importance of the kidneys, but when it comes to protecting them, they can fall into misconceptions. Many men pin their hopes on health products, only to be disappointed with the results.
Kidney diseases differ from other illnesses; some symptoms may be linked to men’s personal privacy. Some men are afraid to go for medical check-ups, fearing to discover problems that might affect their reputation. For such men, it may be helpful to start by looking at some of their own characteristics to understand the condition of their kidneys.
When a man’s kidneys are not functioning well, there may be a phenomenon of poor fluid circulation, causing a buildup of fluids around the skin, resulting in edema. Such men often wake up in the morning to find severe swelling on their faces, hands, and feet, making it seem like they have gained extra weight.
One of the most noticeable signs is abdominal swelling. The enlargement of the abdomen is different from obesity; when the kidneys’ filtration ability weakens, toxins increase in the fluids, leading to an enlargement of the abdomen. Simultaneously, due to the inability of the body to expel excessive fluids, fluid accumulates in the abdominal cavity, resulting in ascites and further abdominal swelling.
The main function of the kidneys is to filter; when the kidneys are healthy, their filtration capacity is normal, and urine does not contain many impurities, usually lacking any specific odor. Conversely, when the kidneys are damaged, the filtration capacity decreases, causing the kidneys’ glomeruli to be unable to excrete excess proteins and other toxins, leading to an increase in impurities in the urine, resulting in a strong odor.
In a healthy individual, the odor in the urine becomes noticeable a few minutes after urination. However, in patients with kidney issues, the presence of excessive toxins in the urine causes a pungent smell immediately upon excretion.
Although the odor in the urine may be bearable, what’s intolerable is bad breath. Patients with kidney problems are likely to experience halitosis. The inability to promptly eliminate toxins from the body will lead to the breakdown of these toxins, producing gases containing ammonia. These gases may be excreted along with urine or may travel up the esophagus into the mouth, causing bad breath.
The bad breath in patients is different from typical bad breath. The halitosis in kidney disease patients often resembles the smell of urine. If one can detect a similar smell in themselves, it’s advisable to seek immediate evaluation.
One of the worst mistakes a patient can make upon realizing their kidney issues is consuming various supplements. The kidneys are responsible for filtration and work in conjunction with the liver for detoxification; this means that the ingredients consumed in supplements will ultimately undergo filtration by the kidneys. The components in supplements are usually heavy, and in order to quickly show results, the proportions of these substances may be increased, posing greater risks. Whether it’s medicinal wine or other health supplements, the consequences are the same; once dependence is formed, it is detrimental to the kidneys and can worsen kidney disease progression.
Taking good care of the kidneys isn’t as challenging as it may seem; patients need to pay more attention in their daily lives. Engaging in morning jogging or exercise for half an hour daily over a period of ten years not only benefits the kidneys but also promotes overall organ health. Dietary adjustments are also essential; patients should opt for a light diet, avoid alcohol and smoking, limit the consumption of greasy foods, as well as control the intake of seafood, animal offal, and similar foods to prevent kidney damage.
In conclusion, there are no shortcuts to kidney care. Avoid being swayed by hearsay or exaggerated advertising claims; returning to a sensible lifestyle and dietary habits is the best way to safeguard kidney health. Men should not take their kidney health lightly, as strong kidneys symbolize overall strength.
